James Raw makes custom Japanese-style swords. The blades
are hand forged from EN45 (spring steel) and are hardened in the traditional
Japanese way, by applying clay to the blade and quenching in water.

He can make blades to your specifications,
along with other styles associated with the Samurai era, such as Yari
(spears) or Naginata (polearms), giving you the opportunity to own a
one of a kind handcrafted item.

Although specialising in blades, polishing
and habaki, James does make fittings and mounts for his blades on request.

James made his first
sword in 1987, and in 1992 became a full-time swordsmith. Since then
much research and development has gone into ensuring that today his
blades are of an exceptionally high quality and are made using the following
Japanese methods:

Hi-Zukuri (shaping of the blank) (sunabe)

Shiage (rough grinding and filing)

Tsuchi-aki (placing the clay)

Yaki-ire (quenching to harden the edge and create hamon)

Sori Naoshi (adjusting the curvature)

Kaji-Tagu (rough polishing)

Mei-kiri (carving the signature)

Although James creates his swords as objects of beauty, he keeps
in mind the original purpose of a sword, including the Japanese sword
arts such as Iaido, Iaijutsu and Tameshigiri. The swords are designed
to perform and cut like Nihonto and should be handled with care as they
are extremely sharp.